Back stage

"Ansel's voice cut through my reverie,'Hey, Pierce,' he said, snapping me back to the present. But my mind was still reeling from the memories of Ansel and me. I shook my head, clearing the cobwebs of the past. 'I'm okay',I said, forcing a smile. I refocused on the task at hand, helping Ansel into his outfits for the next collection.

As the runway ended, I thought I'd escaped the emotional turmoil that had been brewing inside me. But then Ansel appeared, his eyes narrowing as he asked, 'Hey, are you really okay?' The genuine concern in his voice made my heart stutter, and I struggle to find the right words. I took a deep breath, trying to reassure him _ and maybe myself, too. 'Yeah, I'm really okay,' I said softly, my eyes holding his as i forced a gentle smile

"I've been wondering... What's the story behind your scar?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as my fingers involuntarily reached out to touch the raised edge of the scar above his left eyebrow.

I realized I was touching him without his consent and swiftly withdrew my hand, my face flushing with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry", I whispered.

But before i could pull away further, Ansel's fingers wrapped around my wrist, his eyes locking onto mine. He gently pulled my hand back, pressing my fingers against the raised edge of the scar above his left eyebrow.

"Feel it", he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I want you to feel it".

Just as I felt like I was drowing in Ansel's eyes, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I hesitated, unsure if I should answer it. But then I saw the name on the screen: "Remi". My best friend.

I apologized to Ansel with a glance and answered the call."hey,Rem"

"Hey, girl! Where are you?"

As Remi talked, my gaze drifted back to Ansel, who was watching me with an intense expression. I felt a flutter in my chest, making it hard to focus on the conversation. "Yeah, I'm listening, Rem," I said, trying to sound more attentive.

Remi laughed on the other end of the line. "I know you're not, Pierce. But anyway, I was thinking, why don't we grab dinner tonight? I haven't seen you all week".I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to leave Ansel's side just yet. But Remi's invitation was just the distraction I needed. "That sounds great, Rem. What time were you thinking?"

"how about I come over to your place instead?" Remi suggested. We can order takeout and watch movies?

"Okay, that sounds great," I said, smiling at the thought of a cozy night in with Remi. But before I could even finish my sentence, Remi's excitement erupted on the other end of the line. I'll come over right now! See you soon, Pierce!

And just like that, the line went dead. I stared at my phone, laughing at Remi's abrupt goodbye.

Ansel's eyes narrowed, his expression intense, "Boyfriend?" He asked, his voice low and even. I felt a surge of surprise at the misunderstanding. "No, Remi's my best friend," I clarified, trying to reassure him.

Ansel's face relaxed, and he let out a subtle breath, his eyes never leaving mine. I sensed a hint of relief emanating from him, as if he'd been holding his breath Waiting for my response.

He leaned in.

As he did his voice took on a conspiratorial tone. "You should meet up with me next time, without Remi," he whispered, his words sending a shiver down my spine

"And next time," he continued, his voice low and husky, "I'll tell you the story behind this."

He touched the scar above his eyebrow.

"That sounds nice, Ansel. I'll think about it, okay?" I replied, trying to sound polite but noncommittal.

Ansel's face was neutral, but I sensed a hint of disappointment behind his eyes. "Okay, no rush," he said, his voice casual. "I'll talk to you later, Pierce."

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